Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I received this very cool Merchant & Mills Sewing Notion Set in the mail from Kaufmann Mercantile. Have you heard of the online store? It conjures up so many great associations for me. I love the idea of a carefully stocked mercantile1 Their tag is "Products that will outlast you." (A very deliberate us of "that" vs. "which" for those of you English major types... :-)). And in this day of cheap and disposable don't we appreciate well-made products we can invest in for the long term?

Click to read all about it and enter the GIVEAWAY open through April 4th. (GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED)

Well, their Sewing Notions Set is all about that. First, I have to say that I love their packaging. For me, the way something is packaged is part of the experience (which is why I still prefer sending out invitations and thank yous in actual envelopes with stamps). The type on the box is actually embossed--so tactile. Looks like letterpress, which you've often heard me say that I love. Inside all the notions are neatly tucked into kraftboard holders. Isn't it lovely to look at? So graphic. I love the impact of the black and white with craft. And I love that each item is individually wrapped and labels. Makes it seem so carefully selected, which it is.

After admiring it for a bit I had to dig in...

I love the look and feel of these black steel wide bow scissors. Practical and beautiful. They seem to be totally capable of snipping little threads, or even yarn, while looking cool.

I could use a set of sharp needles such as these--I'm always hunting for the one or two among my straight pins. And, I have to admit since adopting reading glasses a few years ago the needle threader is starting to make sense!

Who remembers playing with thimbles as a child. They seem a bit antiquated now, which is too bad since they do serve a great function. There are too many plastic ones in my opinion. This metal one is beautiful.

Inside its glassine envelope and out.

I don't know if you can see it but it says "ENGLAND" in raised letters around the base. The top is open so one can still feel the fabric. Nice.

Tailor's chalk! Reminds me of the time I would go with my father to pick out a suit and watch as the seamstress made marks for hemming. This is another one of those curiously seldom seen notions

I'm excited to have some for myself. I think this will be a great way to mark hems for my girls--much less scary than me holding a bunch of straight pins in my teeth!

Speaking of pins, I used the dressmaking pins on my last sewing project. Used the seam ripper too. They worked just as expected. I may be partial to pins with the colored balls on top for most projects, however these very fine pins would be great for working with more delicate fabrics.

So, there you have the Merchant & Mills Sewing Notions Set. Most of what you would expect (I didn't mention the measuring tape but it's in there--I love it in black and white) and a few new things (for instance, I am excited to try the beeswax made on my thread before threading a needle). Packaged in an ever so fun way. This is a kit for the connoisseur. It's more about the origins of the items than a true discernible difference in their function. It's not inexpensive ($75.00), but it is currently sold out! That certainly says something about the satisfying DIY trend. This is not the thing to buy for your niece to take to Home Ec, but perhaps something for your experienced sewist friend who is also an Anglophile (the beeswax and tailor's chalk were made by the same companies that supply Saville Row). Or maybe this is just the hint to drop for yourself for Mother's Day.

You have to visit Kaufmann Mercantile's page describing this set because the copy is so inspiring! As a former marketer it really impressed me--I was totally pulled in! I do think the right tools make a difference, and this line just spoke to me:This is a great starter set, but if you’ve been suffering through bad notions, upgrading to these pieces will revive your love of the craft. Maybe because I am constantly suffering through less-than-ideal tools. Seems easier than stopping to improve them!

241 comments:

I'm planning to order horsehair dust broom. Kids just broke the handle off my current one. If their products are half as durable as they state, I'm in love. With eight kids, I know they'll be put to the test.

I love this set. After carefully sewing a grosgrain ribbon into a sweater buttonband with notions from my 7th grade Home Ec class (which is over 20 years old), I need an upgrade! I love the fine quality of the notions they offer.

What I love most about the sewing kit(as I can't really comment on usability - yet ;)is the packaging designs. LOVE. I've always thought that things ought to be useful and beautiful at the same time. Also, the Britishyness of it. I realise that's not a word, but I love anything with a vintage British feel.

As for the Kaufman Mercantile Store - I haven't made it past the first page yet but have to say that, among other things, the Otter Wax has caught my eye. I'm planning on making myself a small picnic blanket to take to work and was going to use old denim for the bottom, waterproofing it would be fantastic!

Be still my heart! Oh, I think I am in love with all of it! My life will never be complete without one of these gorgeous kits! So many things I never knew I needed so badly! I think the tailor's chalk intrigues me the most; is all tailor's chalk beige?

I follow your blog through blogger, and love every bit of it. Your girls are adorable, and I constantly look at your blog for inspiration, and have actually made a couple things! My next will be sewing for a new grandaughter!

Wow, so many cool things about this sewing kit: I particularly dig the black and white tape measure made in Germany. I would love to own Tailor's chalk and beeswax for my sewing kit. The packaging is so old world classic, love it!

If I had to pick just one thing from the Kaufmann Mercantile store it would be the enamelware storage containers in red for my new open kitchen shelves: stylish and practical! Thank you for the giveaway of the sewing notions kit.

Despite the fact that I actually need everything in the Notions Set, I think what I love about it the most is the artwork on the boxes. It is so reminiscent of some of the vintage notion boxes that I found in the drawers of my grandmother's antique treadle sewing machine. It makes me so happy to know that quality things like this are still in production.

I cannot say that there is *anything* I dislike from the Kaufmann Mercantile, but if I had to pick one thing I cannot live without, it would be the Asian Vegetable Seeds. I am a bit obsessed with unusual plant varieties, and if the seeds just happen to come in interesting looking packets? Even better!

Oh. My. Goodness. I went to the Kaufmann site. So much wonderful stuff. The knives look awesome. However, I have a tendency to cut myself when I get a sharp knife, so I would probably steer clear of those. The hand blown coffeemaker looks interesting. (and I would have to worry about losing an appendage!)

The sewing kit looks amazing. I love vintage items, so I am really drawn to the look of this. The tailor's chalk is interesting and the fact that it is the same that is used on Seville Row makes it all the more so.

i love that the thimble is open at the tip! Honestly I never used them because I don't like the feel of the top of it against my nail and I like to feel my fabric. If I had this set I would do more hand stiching and quicker! Beautiful set...

I just looked at the Merchant and Mills Sewing Notions page and I am impressed and absolutely love that they choose their products so carefully, Made in England, Made in Germany, Made in Czech Rep. stamps instead of Made in China! I love that. And the packaging is just worth getting this Notion Set and any other!

I love this notions set. I learn to sew from my mom and a home ec class. I bought my first and only sewing machine 40 years ago. My husband (then my boyfriend) bought the cabinet that it sits in. I have spendt many happy hours at my maching. We are expecting our first grandchild so I will be sitting there again and this notions set would be used greatly.

What a great kit, and a fun store. I signed up for their newsletter and already got a $7.00 coupon that I will put toward the waterproofing Otter wax. I also love the idea of the wax to strengthen the thread, I never knew you could do that! They have a ton of other fun products, even the Japanese kraft envelopes are cool. I spent awhile looking at all the things I now "need". Thanks for the chance to win this. I would love to win it!! Marnie Peck

Did you see that the notions set is sold out? Bummer, but kind of good for my wallet. I would just love the Merchant & Mills Spanish Lace Pins. I use lace pins for almost everything. Kinda makes me feel fancy and old fashioned. Like sending a real letter in an envelope, I suppose.

You didn't mention the seam ripper or I missed it but that is one notion I find just doesn't last or do well for long...will be anxious to try this one! Also free ship on a $25 purchase...great incentive to shop!

oh wow....i'm smitten. i love this little kit, of course, but i'm crazy about the picking basket, the japanese kraft envelopes, anyone of the tools and outdoor items, the spices....holy cow. it's an awesome site. i might even order the leather conditioner soon. it's a great site!

the thing i found most intriguing about this sewing kit/set is the packaging...it's vintage look with the beautiful fonts. the way every item is tucked so carefully in its place. it invites discovery. it's joy in a box. i want to play with every single thing in there. i would keep every wrapper to use for something else...even the box. whoever designed this is a genius. pure genius.

I LOVE that they are stocked with a "useful" array of items. Looking around makes me feel like I've gone back in time and I'd love to have their all of their Asian Vegetable Seeds.hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com

Neat stuff on their website - I loved the office supplies - so elegant! And, of course, Weck canning jars, and I loved the purse flask, so pretty! I've always wanted one, although I'm not sure what I'd put in it, because I'm not much of a drinker...

They have WONDERFUL things...many I would love! The Chemex coofee maker is 1st on my list! I would love to try the Weck jars so they woud be a great thing to get and all of the enamelware, especially the slotted ladle! And that is just the Kitchen section! Love the EDC kit...ok, I can see I am in a shopping mood!

I went to their website and the kit page and I am so appreciative that they tell you how to use and care for the kit items. This information will allow you to keep the items in great shape as you enjoy them!

Kaufmann Mercantile has Dutch's Colonial Cocktail Bitters. I remeber learning about bitters while in college. If you get hiccups, put bitters on a wedge of lemon, then suck on it and I promise you won't have hiccups after that.

One of the items I really wish were mine from their website is the Duluth Pack Canvas Tote Bag in Black. It looks like it is made with such quality that it would hold up to much use, the black would keep it from looking dirty and it's stylish at the same time.

I have always wanted to try beeswax, and chalk. I love the scissors, and the measuring tape! I only have cheap sewing items, and I would treasure this kit! I love your blog, and thank you for the chance to win!

There is so much about this notions set that intrigues me... I want to try those scissors That are "sharp from point to tip"... The thimble that smartly lets your finger feel the fabric... I want to know if the pressed metal needle threader is really the "last one I'll ever own", since I've never found one worth keeping at all... This set is so beautiful and nostalgic.. My grandmother was a superb seamstress, and these notions conjure up fond memories of her work station. What a lovely giveaway!

This summer I'm teaching a newlywed and school teacher how to sew. I'd love to give her this box of notions to start her off.As well all know too well, teachers don't have a lot of money to drop into "notions". Tksbatyl@tx.rr.com

I already mentioned this on FB, but for those of you reading the comments...I think it would be neat to "deconstruct" the packaging and make a picture/collage/framed wall hanging - with each one mounted or cut out of a mat space. It's just too pretty to be sitting in a sewing drawer!

I "Like" Aesthetic Nest on Facebook. I haven't sewed in a long time. All the women in my family (mom, aunts, grandmothers) were seamstresses. My late grandmother had one of those foot-pedaled Singer machines. The Sewing Notions Set reminds me of that time.

Ya' gotta' love well-made tools and using said quality tools. The Merchant & Mills sewing notions kit sure looks to fit that bill. It would be a quality product to give my daughter, who is just setting up housekeeping with her hubby. The tailor's thimble is what I found most interesting -- remember my English mother-in-law only using that type and saying it was the only kind to have!Karen S in OH

Browsed Kaufman Mercantile -- wow, what site. Love their line of kitchen enamelware, and their Chemex Handblown Coffeemaker was another favorite of my MIL's. Stopped to drool over the DeWit garden tools and Weck canning jars (that I've promised self one day). The Japanese craft envelopes are too cute and are a must buy! Have forwarded their site to family and friends to enjoy.Karen S in OH

Oh my goodness I am smitten. I am such a sucker for beautiful packaging! Anytime that I have come across tailor's beeswax in the past I have wondered what it was for. Now I know from the kit description that it is the unsung hero of sewing and it can keep those pesky buttons in place longer. Just what every girl needs!

What joy I would have to own this sewing kit! Although I would love to try the beeswax, and chalk, I also love the scissors, measuring tape, all of the items look so nice. I've never used such good quality items, but would be very excited to try. Thank you for the chance.

A product from Kaufmann Merchantile I wish were mine is the stainless steel food mill. I'm expecting my first baby any day now, and it seems like the perfect product for making homemade baby food in a few months.

I have followed your blog faithfully since I ran across it about a year and a half ago. I feel we are kindred spirits. I too have sewn since I was a little girl. I love all aspects of sewing, home decor and especially childrens clothing. I love the aricle on Kaufmann Merchantile. I had no idea there were such cool sewing notions.. Thank you for all you post..